1. Lesson 11: Purpose & Argument
I can analyze the use of rhetorical devices in order to understand an author’s purpose.

2. Agenda Review Author’s Purpose Syntax and Graphic Elements in Poetry
Analyze for Purpose – “All is Truth” by Walt Whitman
Argument Writing – Truth
Homework: Read In the Field, Good Form, and Field Trip

3. Review: Author’s Purpose
Intention: The goal the author wants to accomplish by producing the piece of rhetoric.
To define an issue
To reflect on the importance of something
To persuade the audience
To evaluate the truth of a claim or another’s argument
To explain/inform about an issue/topic/event
To entertain
To clarify difficult material
You cannot simply say “the purpose is to persuade.”
You have to explicitly state what they are trying to persuade the audience to do.

4. Syntax and Graphic Elements in Poetry
Graphic Elements affect the Sentence Structure in a poem.
What do you notice about punctuation in a poem?
Use of dashes? Lack of punctuation? Repeated periods? Exclamation marks? Commas? Capital letters?
What do you notice about line length in a poem?
Short lines? Long lines? Combination? Why? What’s the effect?
What do you notice about word placement in a poem?
Words create visual effect? One word per line?

5. Walt Whitman Transcendentalism and Romanticism
(Stop at 3:24)
You should be able to watch enough to get a sense of transcendentalism in order for students to understand the poem, but it will eventually stop and asking you to signup for a “free” account – a free trial.

6. Analyzing Whitman Read the poem, “All is truth”
Identify Whitman’s purpose in this poem.
Breakdown Whitman’s Syntax and Graphic Elements, Imagery, Rhetorical Shifts, and Rhetorical Devices.
How does each choice contribute to Whitman’s purpose?

7. Connection to The Things They Carried
Re-Read the last paragraph of “Notes” on Page 154
Especially focus on the second half, starting at “It was hard stuff to write…” until “my own.”
Short Answer:
What “Truth” does O’Brien reveal at the end of the chapter “Notes”?

8. Argument: Defend, Challenge, or Qualify
Pick one statement O’Brien makes about truth to defend, challenge, or qualify and support your argument with evidence from your reading, experience, and observations.
“That's what fiction is for. It's for getting at the truth when the truth isn't sufficient for the truth.” ― Tim O'Brien
“A thing may happen and be a total lie; another thing may not happen and be truer than the truth.” ― Tim O'Brien, The Things They Carried, “How to Tell a True War Story”

9. Homework:
Read “In the Field,” “Good Form,” & “Field Trip”